Darwin Brewing in Bradenton opens to the public Thursday

BRADENTON -- What could be the first and only full Peruvian production brewery in the United States will officially open Thursday in Bradenton.

Darwin Brewing Co. announced on Facebook that it will be open to the public from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday at 803 17th Ave. W., across from McKechnie Field. The brewery's regular hours initially will be 3-10 p.m. Thursday and Friday; and noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Brewery tours will also be offered from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

An official grand opening is planned from noon to 10 p.m. May 24.

Santa Maria, a native of Peru who is now a Sarasota resident with his successful restaurant Darwin's on 4th, said he could be the only brewery in America making and distributing Peruvian beer. Yes, he also brews beer on site at Darwin's on 4th in Sarasota, but that doesn't make it a brewery. It's gastro brewpub, which focuses more on food, thanks to having its own kitchen.

Darwin Brewing will feature a rotation of food trucks to satisfy the hunger pains.

The brewery is in the former home of the Bradenton Press building, transformed into a modern, hip bar with garage door windows that offer a view of the baseball park across the street, thanks to Fawley Bryant Architects in Bradenton. It will be the second brewery to open in Bradenton this year after Motorworks Brewery, nearby at 1014 9th St. W.

Little Giant Brewery, 301 Seventh St. E, is expected to join the other two breweries in July.

Charles Schelle, Herald business reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7095. Follow him on Twitter@ImYourChuck.

This story was originally published May 6, 2014 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Darwin Brewing in Bradenton opens to the public Thursday."